I changed the lube in the gearbox, It was hot, as I had just got home. Put it on the center stand pulled the drain plug and let it drain while we went out to eat. When I got home, put the drain plug in, and added a quart of Redline, I checked the level, and it barely touches the bottom of the stick. I tried it on the side stand and no difference. I am checking it cold, Pull the stick, wipe it off, and set it back on the threads. Does the level come up when it warms up, or did letting it drain for a couple hours completely empty it, and now it needs slightly more than a quart?

 

We have no idea what you are riding but we will assume for the moment it is a touring bike. If you set the stick on the top of the threads and it does not show full, then add lube until it does show full. My experience has been that it is really hard to see new gear lube on that shiny stick. I paint mine primer color.

 

What did you do to paint it black that's an excellent idea!

 

Redline will show up pretty good on anything that's not pink.

 

I would take some 600 grit to the stick then clean it good with soap & water let dry then paint with heat resitant 750 - 1000 degrees

 

I've found that it takes a few ounces (2-4) over a quart to get mine to the full mark. I fill it to the middle of the "X" cold, and that translates to the upper full mark when warm.

I also blacked out my stick in an attempt to make the fluid level easier to read, although I simply used an industrial permanent marker. It really didn't help much. I've been meaning to sandblast the stick but haven't gotten around to it yet. I think the dull, roughened surface from blasting should make the stick easier to read.

 

How about instead of paint dip it with some gun cold blue. The oil will not effect it as it will penetrate the metal.

 

Best fix yet

 

Great idea! If I ever get around to it and my sandblasting idea doesn't work, I'll do this.

 

Now that is ingenious!!! I'm gonna do that to mine too!!
I bet that would work for all vehicle dipsticks too...